The Hanumaan Story

Many of us might have seen the Hanumaan statue at Hanumaan Dhoka and the same at Patan Durbar Square. These statues are decorated with red colour- the Sindoor- the colour which is the symbol of the married women in Hindu culture. Women put it on for the long life of their husband. Sindoor also represents the devoutedness of a wife to her husband – It is another matter of fact that there is no such obligation for the husband.

So, we may wonder that while sindoor is for the women why Hanumaan – a male monkey - put it on his body.

Everybody is aware of the dedication of Hanumaan towards Lord Rama. People give example of Hanumaan when they see a person highly devouted to somebody. The term ‘Hanumaan’ is highly used in politics to denote the workers loyal to some leaders of higher position.

Once Hanumaan saw mother Sita applying sindoor on her forhead. He asked promptly why she was putting sindoor on her forehead. He wanted to know what, exactly, was the reason behind it. Mother Sita told Hanumaan that by putting the sindoor on she is wishing her husband – Lord Rama- a long life.

When Hanumaan knew the reason behind the sindoor, he collected a large quantity of it and applied it all over his body. Thus, showing his wish for the long and prosperous life of Lord Rama.

Even today people remember Hanumaan’s loyalty and dedication to Lord Rama and they praise and worship it. They worship Hanumaan, too. The statues decorated in sindoor outside the Hanumaan dhoka and Patan palace are the proof to it.